#Blockchain Leaked Documents Suggest Mt. Gox Trustee’s Bitcoin Sales Impacted Market Prices

On Tuesday, Feb. 5, the infamous Goxdox blog returned to inform the public of more detailed Mt. Gox information that “no one wants you to know about.” According to Goxdox, the Mt. Gox trustee Nobuaki Kobayashi’s bank book shows that he previously sold large sums of BTC and BCH using the exchange Bitpoint. The cryptocurrencies were sold on a traditional trading platform, which goes against the trustee’s past statements that the coins would not be sold in this manner.

Also read: Mt. Gox Restitution Process Frozen Due to One Man’s $16B Claim

Goxdox Returns

Last year there was a lot of talk about the Mt. Gox trustee Nobuaki Kobayashi and the possibility of him dumping large sums of bitcoin on the open market. The public was told this would be avoided and Kobayashi said he would take the advice of “experts” and sell them in a way that wouldn’t dilute the market. “I sold BTC and BCH but not by an ordinary sale through a BTC/BCH exchange, but in a manner that would avoid affecting the market price,” Kobayashi told the public last March. However, Goxdox reveals there was never any private auctions and at the time the crypto community noticed that the trustee’s withdrawals coincided with the January and February drops in BTC’s price.

“How do we know it’s Bitpoint?” asks the report’s anonymous author. “Goxdox is in possession of the trustee’s bank book, posted in full at the footer for your reading pleasure and Bitpoint in Japanese is ビットポイント.”  

The Goxdox report continues:

Unless Bitpoint is being really generous, we’d wager the reason they are depositing billions JPY into the trustee’s bank account is because they were hired to sell the Mt. Gox Estate’s BTC/BCH.

Leaked Documents Suggest Mt. Gox Trustee's Bitcoin Sales Impacted Market Prices
Goxdox.com says it calls out the bullshit for Mt. Gox creditors. After a five-year hiatus, the leaker is back with a new Goxdox to give the community the details certain people want kept secret.

Bitpoint’s Sale Affected Price Discovery

In order to make sense of the numbers, Goxdox reviewed the bank book entries which shows the balance of yen growing from the point when Bitpoint wired the original funds to the trustee’s account. Deposits shown in the bank ledger reveal an additional ¥34,346,581,104 ($312.4M) added to the to the initial balance. Unfortunately, the leak doesn’t have any entries prior to Feb. 23, 2018, but the wire amounts they do know of indicate that month the trustee received ¥8.3 billion yen from Bitpoint. “The May entries give us what we are looking for — The trustee received 22 wires between May 1 and June 4 and the bank book entries show Bitpoint sold roughly ¥24 billion JPY worth of BTC/BCH during that period,” explains Goxdox.

Leaked Documents Suggest Mt. Gox Trustee's Bitcoin Sales Impacted Market Prices
The trustee’s bank book documents, according to Goxdox.

The anonymous writer’s recent study claims that the reason Bitpoint sent wires so frequently was to prevent counter-party risk in the event that Bitpoint’s security was breached. Goxdox’ study further states:

The new data from the trustee’s bank book coupled with BTC’s price declines in May/June 2018 indicate that the method Bitpoint used to conduct the sale affected price discovery — In other words, Bitpoint sold on an exchange and not OTC.  

The revelation of the Mt. Gox trustee’s bank book follows the recent claim from Coinlab that hopes to gain a $16 billion settlement from the Mt. Gox civil rehabilitation. Coinlab’s claim could wipe out every other Mt. Gox claimant if it is successful and many creditors have expressed unhappiness with the situation. The civil rehabilitation claims need to be filed by mid-April and the trustee should announce his plan by then.

What do you think about the Mt. Gox trustee selling coins to Bitpoint? Let us know what you think about this story in the comments section below. 


Image credits: Shutterstock, Pixabay, and Goxdox.com


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#Blockchain Data Shows Ethereum is the ‘Cryptocurrency of Choice for Scams’

Data Shows Ethereum is the 'Cryptocurrency of Choice for Scams'

Since the very early days, back when people learned how to create new cryptocurrencies or quickly build infrastructure models like digital asset trading platforms, many scams started to spawn frequently. According to the blockchain surveillance company Chainalysis, over the last two years fraud in the Ethereum ecosystem has run rampant and it’s been the “cryptocurrency of choice for scams for a variety of reasons,” the company’s latest Ethereum report highlights.

Also read: Cryptograffiti’s Latest ‘Running Bitcoin’ Portrait Sees Auction Bids of Over $30K

Scammers Flock to Ethereum Blockchain

The blockchain monitoring company Chainalysis has been releasing a series of reports concerning the recent “trends in crypto crime.” The firm’s report “Crypto Crime Series: Decoding Ethereum Scams” explains how ethereum (ETH) is the top choice for crypto-related scams throughout the ecosystem. In 2017, there was only $17 million worth of ETH stolen in scams but in 2018 roughly 0.01 percent of ETH was involved in swindles worth $36 million. “The number of scams declined through 2018, although those that remained were bigger, more sophisticated and vastly more lucrative,” the Chainalysis report details.

“From late 2016 through the end of 2018, Chainalysis has identified over 2,000 scam addresses on Ethereum that have received funds from nearly 40,000 unique users — Scam activity increased dramatically in 2018 with nearly 75% of scamming activity taking place that year,” the report explains.

Data Shows Ethereum is the 'Cryptocurrency of Choice for Scams'

There are four types of prevalent scams taking place within the Ethereum space – outright fraud, the ICO exit scam, a Ponzi product, and phishing attempts. Chainalysis also says the frequency and success rates of concepts like infection scams can change over time.

“Innovative criminals executed more complex Ponzi and ICO exit scams that generated millions of dollars in income — These more sophisticated schemes dominated the second half of the year,” the crime series report summarizes.

Data Shows Ethereum is the 'Cryptocurrency of Choice for Scams'
The transformation of scam types and growth throughout 2017 and 2018.

From Giveaways to Ponzis – Etherscam’s Database Shows 924 Scams Are Currently Active

Chainalysis is not the only group watching the Ethereum network for scam related incidents. In fact, the website Etherscamdb.info which showcases a plethora of ETH-related scams can be seen by the entire cryptocurrency community. The Etherscam database has recorded 6,378 scams and 924 are currently active. The records show 1,975 scam-related ethereum addresses and out of the 6,378, roughly 5,454 are inactive. What also should be taken into consideration is that this information is only what Etherscam’s database can trace and there are lots of fraudulent acts that go unnoticed.

Data Shows Ethereum is the 'Cryptocurrency of Choice for Scams'
The vast list of cryptocurrency scams using ethereum.

Etherscam collects data on fake My Ether Wallet (MEW) websites, Punycode lookalike domains, phony exchanges, fraudulent impersonation giveaways, and ICO exit scams. Then there are Ponzi games tied to the Ethereum ecosystem with multi-level pyramid applications like Fomo 3D and Powh 3D. These platforms only make money by bringing new users into the fold and use all kinds of tactics like pay-per-bid methods, and multi-level marketing techniques. Back in March, the founder of Dapp Radar, Skirmantas Januskas gave a great breakdown of the Powh 3D Ponzi game and called it the “biggest pyramid scheme on Ethereum so far.”

Even though there are many scams on the Ethereum network, there are various ways ETH users can protect themselves by not participating in blatant fraud. Veteran cryptocurrency participants will always illuminate the fact that holding your own keys, utilizing cold storage and multi-signature techniques are critical to keeping financial information safe. But there are many other methods that can be used like bookmarking official cryptocurrency websites, double-checking copy and pasted addresses, and not trusting “free giveaways” that will further help keep digital assets secure. As the Chainalysis crime series report details, blockchain criminals are executing petty crypto crimes far less than before, but the scams that still exist are becoming far more sophisticated.

What do you think about the number of scams attracted to the Ethereum network? Let us know what you think about this subject in the comments section below.


Image credits: Shutterstock, Ethereum logo, Pixabay, Brandon Arvanaghi, and Chainalysis.


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#Blockchain Blockchain.com Launches New Bitcoin Cash Block Explorer

Blockchain.com Launches New Bitcoin Cash Block Explorer

Wallet provider Blockchain.com has started offering a new tool for users to peer into the inner workings of their cryptocurrency. The company has launched a Bitcoin Cash (BCH) block explorer that allows people to search for transaction hashes, blocks and addresses on the BCH blockchain.

Also Read: Bitcoin Cash Clothing Charity Expands to a Dozen Cities Across Canada

New BCH Blockchain Explorer

Blockchain.com, the popular cryptocurrency wallet provider, has announced the launch of a new Bitcoin Cash (BCH) block explorer. The company explained, for the benefit of individuals who may be unfamiliar with the concept, that they can think about the tool as a browser for the blockchain. It allows users to search for detailed information on specific BCH blocks, check whether a transaction has confirmed, view the balance of a wallet address, monitor market prices, and even watch real-time network transactions.

Blockchain.com Launches New Bitcoin Cash Block Explorer

“As more cryptocurrencies develop and grow, providing direct access and insight across networks is crucial. Blockchain Explorer is the most trusted source for blockchain data. Our focus has always been on providing the most up to date and accurate information available,” the Blockchain.com team stated on Feb. 4. “Today, we’re excited to introduce Bitcoin Cash to the existing lineup of supported cryptocurrencies on our Explorer. You can now search for BTC/ETH/BCH transaction hashes, blocks and addresses in a single search bar.”

Why Bitcoin Cash?

The BCH tool is only the third block explorer supported by Blockchain.com after Bitcoin Core (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). When the company launched another service last month the team mentioned that it has received more questions about bitcoin cash recently than any other crypto asset supported by the Blockchain Wallet.

Blockchain.com Launches New Bitcoin Cash Block Explorer

In January the company launched an educational tool called Blockchain Primers. The service is intended to provide a relatively concise overview of each crypto asset including background material, the latest market data and analysis. The first report issued on it was an introduction to BCH, whose advantages over BTC, according to the research, include greater maximum onchain transaction capacity/throughput, lower average transaction fees, and additional smart contract functionality.

What do you think about the new Bitcoin Cash (BCH) block explorer from Blockchain? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.


Images courtesy of Shutterstock.


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#Blockchain Report Claims Quadrigacx Never Held More Than 1,000 BTC

Report Claims Quadrigacx Never Held More Than 1,000 BTC

The drama surrounding Canadian cryptocurrency exchange Quadrigacx continues to intensify, with a recent report by Zernoncense claiming that the exchange has no identifiable cold storage reserves and that it has never held more than 1,000 BTC in customer funds.

Also Read: Kraken Acquires British Derivatives Platform Crypto Facilities

Report Refutes Claims of Quadrigacx Owner’s Widow

Report Claims Quadrigacx Never Held More Than 1,000 BTCThe report finds numerous assertions made in the affidavit submitted to Canadian courts on Jan. 31 by Jennifer Roberston, the wife of the exchange’s allegedly deceased chief executive officer, Gerry Cotten, to be false.

The findings have been informed by analysis of Quadrigacx’s BTC and ETH wallets. As the wallet addresses for Quadrigacx “were not widely known,” the report relies on deposit information given to customers that was aggregated from Reddit.

The author notes that the findings are not guaranteed to represent “a factual truth,” however, comparisons between Quadrigacx and the withdrawal practices of known solvent exchanges shows “highly unorthodox” practices.

The analysis was conducted using Walletexplorer, which as the author states was created and is still being used by Chainalysis.

Report Claims Quadrigacx Uses Multi-Signature Wallets

Based on Zerononcense’s findings, the number of BTC held by Quadrigacx is substantially less than that which was reported in Jennifer Robertson’s affidavit.

The analysis finds that there are “no identifiable cold wallet reserves” for Quadrigacx, estimating that the exchange is in possession of less than 1,000 BTC.

The report also claims to evidence transfers totaling approximately 3.53 BTC that occurred on Jan. 24 and Jan. 25, apparently contradicting Robertson’s claims that the exchange’s funds are inaccessible.

Report Claims Quadrigacx Never Held More Than 1,000 BTC

The report also asserts that the numerous wallets used by Quadrigacx had multi-signature capability.

Quadrigacx Accused of Rerouting Customer Funds to Process Withdrawals

According to the report’s findings, Qaudrigacx was “clearly” re-routing payments from customers to process withdrawals, comprising the operation of a “shell or a ponzi.”

The author also asserts that withdrawal delays previously experienced by Quadrigacx customers resulted from the exchange not having the required funds available at the time, adding that in some instances the exchange was “forced to wait for enough customer deposits to be made” before processing withdrawals.

What do you make of the Quadrigacx drama? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!


Images courtesy of Shutterstock


At Bitcoin.com there’s a bunch of free helpful services. For instance, have you seen our Tools page? You can even lookup the exchange rate for a transaction in the past. Or calculate the value of your current holdings. Or create a paper wallet. And much more.

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#Blockchain The Daily: Turbo Tax Adds Crypto Section, Venezuela’s Localbitcoins Record

The Daily: Turbo Tax With Crypto Section, Venezuela With Localbitcoins Record

In this edition of The Daily, tax filing software Turbo Tax has integrated a feature that allows crypto investors to report their capital gains online. Also, Venezuelans have set a new record in P2P trade on Localbitcoins and Brazilians can now pay for movie tickets with digital coins.  

Also read: Twitter CEO Talks Bitcoin, Bitstamp Releases New Mobile App

Traders Can Upload Capital Gains Data Into Turbo Tax

Turbo Tax, the popular tax filing platform in the U.S., is adding a “cryptocurrency section.” The new feature will be provided through a partnership with Coins Tax, the operator of crypto tax calculator Bitcoin Taxes. It will be available to taxpayers who have bought the 2018 Premier and above versions of Intuit’s Turbo Tax Online.

The Daily: Turbo Tax Adds Crypto Section, Venezuela's Localbitcoins Record

According to a press release by Coins Tax, Bitcoin Taxes now has a report functionality that enables users to import their cryptocurrency capital gains into Turbo Tax Online. The company claims the integration will save crypto traders time in tax preparation by allowing them to upload their transactions directly into Form 1040 Schedule D. Coin Tax CEO Colin Mackie commented:

We are working with Turbo Tax Online to make filing crypto taxes much easier. Until now, tax preparation software has provided limited cryptocurrency support. The new Cryptocurrency section in Turbo Tax Online with its import from Bitcoin.tax will save everyone a lot of time.

Bitcoin Taxes is one of the earliest tax calculators for crypto investors. The online platform allows users to import data for their purchases and sales of cryptocurrency throughout the year from a number of major crypto exchanges such as Coinbase, Gemini and Poloniex. It’s one of several available tax filing and calculation tools cryptocurrency traders can use this tax season.

Venezuelans Set New Record in Localbitcoins Trade

While the government in Caracas is trying to regulate decentralized cryptocurrencies, Venezuelans have achieved a new record in the volume of their crypto trade on Localbitcoins. Data compiled by Coin Dance shows that in the week of Feb. 2, 2019, they exchanged over 17.3 billion bolivar worth of bitcoin core on the peer-to-peer cryptocurrency trading platform. That’s more than 2,000 BTC, an all-time high for the market.

The Daily: Turbo Tax Adds Crypto Section, Venezuela's Localbitcoins Record

The news came just as Venezuelan authorities adopted regulations for digital coins in the country. The decree establishing a legal framework for cryptocurrencies entered into force with its publication in the country’s official gazette, as news.Bitcoin.com reported. It introduces rules for an array of crypto-related activities such as the purchase, sale, use, distribution, and exchange of digital assets. It will also enforce penalties for non-compliance including fines and confiscations.

Movie Theater in Brazil Accepts Coins for Tickets

Cine Multi has reportedly become the first Brazilian cinema to accept cryptocurrency for the tickets it sells thanks to a partnership with crypto payments provider Bancryp – the company maintains POS terminals accepting digital coins. The movie theater is located in the Multi Open Shopping center in the city of Florianópolis, capital of the southern Brazilian state of Santa Catarina. According to a post on Medium, Bancryp, which advertises itself as a cryptobank, targets millions of users in Brazil in an effort to provide more people with access to cryptocurrencies.

The Daily: Turbo Tax Adds Crypto Section, Venezuela's Localbitcoins Record

What are your thoughts on today’s news tidbits? Tell us in the comments section.


Images courtesy of Shutterstock, Coin Dance.


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#Blockchain 6 Popular Darknet Marketplaces That Accept Cryptocurrency

6 of the Most Popular Darknet Marketplaces That Accept Cryptocurrency

The P2P exchange of cryptocurrencies for goods and services began life on the darknet, whose underground markets are still thriving today. After connecting to the darknet using the Tor browser, cryptocurrency users can access a range of markets that accept BTC, BCH and other digital assets.

Also read: A Look at Openbazaar’s Multi-Currency Wallet and Vendor Listings

Buy Anything You Need in a World Free of KYC

There are many reasons why people flock to the darknet to shop. Be it out of curiosity, necessity, or simply a desire for the sort of privacy that’s lacking on the clearnet, darknet marketplaces (DNMs) offer many things for many people. While synonymous with illicit wares, including drugs, DNMs offer much more, stocking tangible and intangible goods ranging from books to art.

For anyone intrigued by what darknet marketplaces have to offer, there are certain security precautions it’s wise to take before plunging in. These include disabling Javascript in the Tor browser and taking care to avoid links to phishing sites. Just like the clearnet, the darknet has its share of lookalike sites designed to part traders with their crypto. Sites such as Deepdotweb (when it’s online) as well as onion forum Dread are where many users get started. When DNM operators are changing their onion domain, they’ll usually post an update on these sites, signed with their PGP key. The following darknet markets are the most popular right now.

Dream

The darknet’s longest standing market, Dream, has somehow survived since 2013. It accepts bitcoin core (BTC) and bitcoin cash (BCH) and features 63,000 digital goods, 87,000 drugs, and thousands of other listings under such categories as “drug paraphernalia” and “services.” Listings can be filtered by cryptocurrency, seller location, buyer location, vendor, and keyword. The marketplace features one-tick message encryption at checkout, but buyers are recommended to fully encrypt messages using the vendor’s public key. That way, if the website should be compromised, messages will be indecipherable.

6 Popular Darknet Marketplaces That Accept Cryptocurrency
Dream

Wallstreet Market

Wallstreet is another DNM that’s been standing for a while. It supports 2/3 multisig, enables PGP login and supports BTC and privacy coin monero (XMR). Drugs is its most populated category, but Wallstreet also does a robust trade in counterfeits, jewelry, services, malware, digital goods, and tutorials.

6 Popular Darknet Marketplaces That Accept Cryptocurrency

Point

Point, also known as Tochka, is the third most popular DNM at present. It features the sort of wares that are the stock in trade of darknet marketplaces: drugs, fakes and more drugs. The site accepts BTC, BCH, and ETH, and it also facilitates dead drops. This enables buyer and seller to set a secret location where the goods can be left for collection.

CGMC

CGMC, or Cannabis Growers & Merchants Co-op, is a small DNM for those who appreciate the dankest strains. It currently has 50 U.S. vendors, 13 British, 13 in the EU, and 3 Canadian. The cannabinoid wares are categorized into flowers, concentrates, edibles, distillate, and shrooms. The site accepts BTC and LTC and enables cannabis connoisseurs to choose from hundreds on indica, sativa, and hybrid strains. A careful vendor screening policy has helped to instil deep trust in CGMC.

6 Popular Darknet Marketplaces That Accept Cryptocurrency

Berlusconi Market

Berlusconi is one of the smaller DNMs, and isn’t highly rated on Deep Dot Web, although reviews can be easily gamed by rival markets, it should be noted. The site accepts BTC, LTC and XMR. In addition to drugs, gold and digital goods, Berlusconi Market stocks weapons. One British vendor professes to stock an AK-47, Glock 17, Glock 26 and a Bushmaster. Elsewhere, you’ll find a handheld grenade launcher going for 0.5 BTC with “discreet overnight stealth shipping.” Whether the sellers prove to be legitimate or law enforcement, however, is a matter of debate.

6 Popular Darknet Marketplaces That Accept Cryptocurrency

Cannazon

Cananzon, as its name suggests, is the Amazon of cannabis. The site sells high-grade strains to a primarily European audience, who can load up on weed, hash and edibles. Afghan, Lebanese, and Moroccan hash is complemented by indica and sativa weed as well as seeds. The site accepts BTC and XMR. U.S. residents are excluded from Cannazon and its range of delectable sounding wares such as master kush, limoncello haze, stardawg, and trainwreck.

6 Popular Darknet Marketplaces That Accept Cryptocurrency

What are your thoughts on darknet marketplaces? Let us know in the comments section below.


Images courtesy of Shutterstock.


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Readers should do their own due diligence before taking any actions related to the mentioned companies or any of their affiliates or services. Bitcoin.com is not responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in this article.

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#Blockchain PR: Coinseed Announces Its SEC Filed Crowdfunding Campaign

Coinseed Announces Its SEC Filed Crowdfunding Campaign

This is a paid press release, which contains forward looking statements, and should be treated as advertising or promotional material. Bitcoin.com is not responsible for or liable for any content, accuracy or quality within the press release.

Coinseed is a platform for spare-change investment and cash back rewards in crypto. Since they launched in Dec 2017, they have acquired nearly 20k users through organic growth and built several new features. As they are now preparing to scale up the business, Coinseed launched its SEC filed crowdfunding campaign and you can join here.

Crypto is still confusing and intimidating to most people as well as its still a very risky sector. Coinseed solves these exact problems in a streamlined way. Users start out by simply linking their credit or debit card to the app then picking their investment portfolio. As users make purchases on those linked cards, the spare change (roundup to the next dollar) will be going into their investment portfolio which can consist of up to 13 different coins on the platform.

Users can also earn free crypto by shopping online or offline using their linked cards. In other words, people receive their cash back rewards in crypto. Coinseed names this feature Crypto Back and you can earn up to 10% on your online purchases and 1% on your offline purchases such as restaurants, coffee shops and bars. This whole experience eases people into crypto and make them learn about crypto by actually doing it as well as earning it.

Coinseed has multiple other features such as simulated trading environment where people can practice their trading skills or weekly trading tournaments which anyone can participate to win $250 each week. Coinseed is currently only available in the US.

Check out its SEC registered campaign and all related information here. If you have any question, please contact them at support@coinseed.co.

Link: https://coinseed.app.link/MBPM2LKeWT
SEC registration: https://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-edgar?company=coinseed&owner=exclude&action=getcompany

Contact Email Address
support@coinseed.co

Supporting Link
https://coinseed.co

This is a paid press release. Readers should do their own due diligence before taking any actions related to the promoted company or any of its affiliates or services. Bitcoin.com is not responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any content, goods or services mentioned in the press release.

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#Blockchain The Crucible of Privacy: Why Decentralized Exchange Is the Only Way

Decentralization is a core principle of blockchain-based technology. It’s the most important and unique property of the many cryptocurrencies that have launched since the birth of Bitcoin. Decentralization facilitates a move away from centralized control and differentiates crypto from government-backed fiat currencies. It is the crucible of security and privacy. So why, if this concept is so important to the foundations of the crypto ecosystem, are the overwhelming majority of cryptocurrencies traded on centralized exchanges?

Also read: Cryptocurrencies Have Spawned an Eclectic Underground Art Movement

What’s the Attraction?

The immediate benefits of centralized crypto exchanges are clear. The most popular centralized exchanges are generally easy to use and provide liquidity for a large number of coins.

For many people, the idea of taking those first tentative steps into crypto can be daunting. The media is rife with horror stories — from ICO scams to illicit marketplaces. So, when it comes to trading, it’s not surprising that most users automatically go for the easiest option.

Think about it for a minute. Most users probably have no experience trading fiat currencies, let alone digital assets.

In general, centralized exchanges make it easy for users to trade crypto and the larger ones rarely suffer from liquidity issues. Sadly, the same can’t be said for first-generation decentralized exchanges (DEXs).

But despite these benefits, centralized exchanges are fatally flawed. As well as making it difficult for users to trade privately, they require users to entrust their funds to a third-party, and as a result, the creation of a single point of failure, making centralized exchanges a prime target for hackers.

In recent years, hundreds of millions of dollars worth of cryptocurrency has been stolen by cybercriminals and malicious insiders. In my opinion, the benefits of centralized exchanges do not outweigh these inadequacies.

Understanding the Fatal Flaw

The number one problem with centralized exchanges is security. The list of massive hacks is constantly growing and it’s users that face the consequences.

We’ve already witnessed the first major hack of the year after Cryptopia lost $16 million in ethereum and ERC20 coins. The problem is this isn’t an isolated incident. Here’s a little reminder of some of the others.

In 2014, $470 million worth of bitcoin was stolen from Mt. Gox, while two years later, $72 million worth of bitcoin went missing from Bitfinex. These are two well-publicized events. But there have been many more.

Centralized exchanges force users to hand over their funds to a third party so trades are always overseen by a middleman. Not only does this go against a fundamental principle of cryptocurrency, but it leaves user funds vulnerable to theft.

As history has shown us when an exchange doesn’t have the security measures in place to protect its users, this is exactly what happens. With a centralized system, it only takes one mistake to jeopardize the security of every user.

DEXs tackle this issue head-on. They eliminate the security flaws that plague centralized exchanges by allowing users to trade safely, peer-to-peer (P2P). There is no middleman and users are never required to relinquish control of their funds. Assets aren’t kept on the exchange so there is no longer a single point of failure.

Privacy Is Not a Priority

Privacy is a human right but one that many centralized exchanges don’t appear to uphold. Users are required to share personal data with the exchange and every time they complete a transaction the details of it are recorded.

Anyone with administrative access to an exchange can identify the individuals sending and receiving payments. This trading data could be taken by malicious persons and sold on, or used in other unethical or criminal activity.

The first-wave of decentralized exchanges, although not perfect, did provide a greater deal of privacy. The absence of a registration process or a centralized authority meant trading data was neither shared nor stored, while the P2P trading mechanism took away the possibility of a crooked middleman abusing user information.

Decentralized exchanges tackle the key issues that afflict their centralized counterparts, but it would be wrong of me to claim they didn’t require improvement.

New Wave DEXs

The next generation of DEX platforms need to develop ways to tackle the issues that have held back their predecessors.

Firstly, there’s liquidity. Users need to know that if they log on to an exchange with currency to buy or sell, there will always be someone at the other end prepared to trade with them.

Although privacy has, by default, entered into the DEX debate, more needs to be done to give users the option to trade in private.

Finally, and most importantly, it’s vital that DEXs offer a fluid, simple user experience. Before now, DEXs were platforms designed by experienced users for other experienced users. If DEXs are to succeed, and reinstate decentralization as the driving force behind crypto trading, then they need to attract novice users too.

To compete, they need to be just as easy to use as current leading centralized exchanges.

Do you think first wave decentralized exchanges will help solve some of the problems of centralized exchanges? Is this the future of exchange technology in the crypto space?  


Images courtesy of Shutterstock


OP-ed disclaimer: This is an Op-ed article. The opinions expressed in this article are the author’s own. Bitcoin.com does not endorse nor support views, opinions or conclusions drawn in this post. Bitcoin.com is not responsible for or liable for any content, accuracy or quality within the Op-ed article. Readers should do their own due diligence before taking any actions related to the content. Bitcoin.com is not responsible, directly or indirectly, for any damage or loss caused or alleged to be caused by or in connection with the use of or reliance on any information in this Op-ed article.


Anthony Khamsei is CEO of Resistance, a privacy-focused decentralized exchange and blockchain. He is a highly experienced cybersecurity professional, cryptography expert, and entrepreneur with a proven track record in tackling complex cyber threats and developing innovative security solutions.

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#Blockchain Report: Indian Government Concerned Cryptocurrencies Could Undermine the Rupee

Report: Indian Government Concerned Cryptocurrencies Could Undermine the Rupee

The Indian government panel tasked with drafting crypto regulation is reportedly worried that cryptocurrencies could destabilize the rupee if they are accepted as payments. Its concern came to light despite evidence that cryptocurrencies do not currently pose a threat to financial stability.

Also read: Indian Supreme Court Moves Crypto Hearing, Community Calls for Positive Regulations

Impact on the Rupee

The Indian government committee tasked with developing the regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies is reportedly “obsessed” with the impact they may have on the rupee if they are allowed to be used in payments, Quartz India reported. The committee is headed by Subhash Chandra Garg, Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs.

Report: Indian Government Concerned Cryptocurrencies Could Undermine the Rupee

“If bitcoin and other digital currencies are going to be allowed to be used for payments then whether it will end up destabilising the fiat currency is a major concern” for Garg’s panel, the publication quoted an unnamed representative from the crypto ecosystem who recently met with the ministers as saying. “The overall impact on the financial ecosystem that it is likely to have is still unclear and it has been a challenge to convince them on this particular point.”

If bitcoin and other digital currencies are going to be allowed to be used for payments then whether it will end up destabilizing the fiat currency is a major concern.

Garg’s panel is finalizing its report containing the recommendations for the country’s crypto regulation, according to the government’s reply to a Right to Information filing.

However, the Ministry of Finance told Parliament that “It is difficult to state a specific timeline to come up with clear recommendations” and that Garg’s panel is “pursuing the matter with due caution.”

No Threat to Financial Stability

The Financial Stability Board (FSB) published a report in October last year on the financial stability implications of crypto assets. The FSB is an international body that monitors and makes recommendations about the global financial system to the G20, an international forum for governments and central bank governors. Its members are financial regulators and central bankers from 24 countries as well as global organizations such as the International Monetary Fund.

Cryptocurrencies need constant monitoring on overall financial stability considerations, given the rapid expansion in their usage.

Report: Indian Government Concerned Cryptocurrencies Could Undermine the Rupee

The FSB report states that “Based on the available information, crypto assets do not pose a material risk to global financial stability at this time.” Nonetheless, it notes that “vigilant monitoring is needed in light of the speed of market developments. Should the use of crypto-assets continue to evolve, it could have implications for financial stability in the future.”

Citing the FSB’s finding, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reiterated in its Trend and Progress of Banking in India 2017-18 report that cryptocurrencies are not a threat currently. “The market continues to evolve rapidly, however, and this initial assessment could change if crypto assets were to become more widely used or interconnected with the core of the regulated financial system,” the central bank detailed. “Cryptocurrencies need constant monitoring on overall financial stability considerations, given the rapid expansion in their usage,” the RBI concluded.

Do you think the Indian government should be concerned that cryptocurrencies could undermine the rupee? Let us know in the comments section below.


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#Blockchain Kraken Acquires British Derivatives Platform Crypto Facilities

Kraken Acquires British Derivatives Platform Crypto Facilities

Cryptocurrency exchange Kraken has acquired Crypto Facilities, a British digital asset trading platform and index provider, in an undisclosed “nine-figure” deal. The acquisition means that Kraken will now be able to offer both spot and futures trading in bitcoin core, bitcoin cash, ripple, litecoin and ethereum while boosting revenue by attracting institutional customers.

Also read: Cryptocurrency Independence Under Threat As Regulation Encroaches

‘Deal Turns Kraken Into a One-Stop Shop’

Kraken chief executive officer Jesse Powell has revealed  to U.S. magazine Fortune that the San Francisco-based company was on the verge of completing a $100 million funding round from its “larger customers.”

Commenting on the Crypto Facilities deal, 10 months in the making, Powell said the acquisition reinforces Kraken’s thrust on creating complementary services to its core spot exchange and over-the-counter trading. He stated that the exchange had since integrated the back-end operations of Crypto Facilities, allowing investors from both companies to trade on a single platform.

Kraken Acquires British Derivatives Platform Crypto Facilities

Users now have access to futures on six cryptocurrency pairs, “providing a highly efficient way to trade and hedge cryptocurrency in any market environment,” he said in an email to news.Bitcoin.com. For U.S. customers, futures trading will, however, not be available. The U.K.’s Financial Conduct Authority has already approved the transaction, according to Kraken.

Of his company’s largest acquisition yet, Powell said:

We are excited to introduce eligible clients to these industry leading futures and index products. Over the coming months, our teams will continue to enhance and expand these offerings. We’ve got great stuff in store for traders and institutional clients in 2019.

Founded in 2015, Crypto Facilities offers derivatives trading in cryptocurrencies like BTC, BCH, XRP and ETH to both individual and institutional investors. The London-based platform is the latest in a series of acquisitions by Kraken since 2016. The company, with four million global users, has previously acquired bitcoin exchanges Coinsetter, Cavirtex and Clevercoin. Kraken also bought Glidera, a wallet funding business, and Cryptowatch, a trading and portfolio tracking platform.

Timo Schlaefer, chief executive officer of Crypto Facilities, who will continue in his current role, said: “It has been our mission to build the most sophisticated, powerful and user friendly cryptocurrency trading platform. Teaming up with Kraken allows us to innovate the next generation of products and tremendously boosts the value we are able to provide to our clients.”

Kraken Acquires British Derivatives Platform Crypto Facilities

Kraken Raises $100 Million in New Funding

Meanwhile, Kraken CEO Powell told Fortune that the exchange was close to completing a $100 million fundraising effort. To raise the money, Kraken sold some of its larger customers a stake in the company, he said. Kraken’s earlier investors include Hummingbird Ventures, Blockchain Capital, and Digital Currency Group. Powell reportedly refused to name the new investors.

Much of the new investment originated from outside the United States, noted Powell, adding the raise did not need U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approval because the company “only approached accredited investors and others covered by an exemption.”

What do think about Kraken’s latest acquisition? Let us know in the comments section below.


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